Chapter Text
The jovial voice floated through the warehouse echoing down the halls, his hearty laughter was warm and kind. Even at a distance, You knew it was the Duke. The famed Duke, the highly sought after merchant with all the best goods. Not that you could speak from experience, you had always seemed to miss him on all his previous visits to the craft shop that you worked at.
He came by every couple of months to buy mountains of fabric and wool; in return he set up his wagon in the back of the shops warehouse delivery door. Bringing unusual items and delicacies from around the world which he then proffered to the staff of the store. You had always been told tales of him and his wondrous excursions from other staff. Each member had a different story to tell, and always one that seemed to be unique to their liking.
You were excited to hear of his arrival and a chance to finally meet him yourself. You entered through one of the backdoors to the warehouse and was amazed by what you saw. The trailer, old and traditional was parked right inside the warehouse. It seemed like an impossible task but there it was.
It had been months since the staff had seen the Duke last and they had already flocked to his array of wares. They were huddling over lots of the handcrafted wool figures that had been finely knitted or the detailed crocheted cloths. Once they had admired all of those, their attention fell upon the wine. You recalled them discussing this very same wine one morning, The finest that they had ever tasted.
You had a look at the wine first but the price was just too high for you. Your curiosity may bring you back to it one day but for the time being, it was not within your options. The wine swiftly changed to the figures and flowers of weaved wool and some patchwork art. You recognised the wool as some of the peculiar colours that you sold here at work and the patchwork art contained most fabrics that you sold as well.
'Oh ho, I don't believe that we have met?' The Duke's booming laughter startled you from your browsing. Looking up, you finally gazed upon the Duke. Your closest work friends did not lie when they told you he was a big guy. They said he was obese and big boned, it did not prepare you for how big he actually was. He was settled in the back of his wagon and he encompassed the entire back of it. His clothes just held together as his gluttonous weight spilled out from underneath.
He smiled down at You sweetly before looking up, waving to someone behind you.
'Good day now. Thank you for your patronage.'
You turned to see the last of the staff members leaving, their arms filled with flowers and wine. Not a bottle of wine remained from the once copious amount. Your attention quickly turned to the Duke. Now you were on your own with him, he appeared quite imposing but non threatening and his smile eased you a slight bit.
'I haven't had the pleasure but it is finally an honour to meet you.' You smiled up at him. The Duke merely chuckled and his massive belly jiggled. Slowly with a grunt, he leaned down as close as his extended stomach would allow him, a thick hand adorned with rings reached out with fingers splayed.
'They call me, The Duke.'
You reached back and he gave your hand a firm shake but did not let go afterwards. He gave your hand a slight squeeze before turning it palm up in his and ran his thumb over the palm of your hand. You looked at the large man in confusion before a thoughtful hum brought your thoughts to a stand still. You waited for a moment as the Duke studied your face, his face broke into another beaming smile.
'I can see why we had yet to cross paths.' He stated with such joy. Another chuckle and belly jiggle.
'you have the hands of a hard worker, miss?' He hesitated and raised an eyebrow. You finished his sentence with your name. Upon hearing your name, his eyes sparkled slightly and he let go of your hand, slowly sitting up straight on his perch. You looked at your hand silently wondering if you should have started using moisturiser. The Duke was silent for a moment, you could sense that he was wanting to say something but you had already began to speak in turn.
'You have some lovely items for sale.' You smiled as you took another look at the table.
'I find the finest, to sell to the finest at the finest price.' He tilted his head to look at You with more curiousity. 'Do have a look at all i have to offer, my dear.'
You nodded in response, and you began to look at the flowers again. After studying them for a while, None caught your eye and you were slightly dissappointed. It would make you the first person not to buy off the Duke and You felt a twinge of shame. All your excitement and wondering and in the end you bought nothing. You looked up at the Duke and he picked up very quickly what you were thinking. You looked down in embrassment, but he cleared his throat to get your attention again.
'Don't worry, dear. I may have something more to your liking next time.' His eyes looked over to the table that was bare. 'perhaps, I will have enough wine for all, when I return again.' He smiled down at You warmly. It was your turn to chuckle as you replied.
'I don't think you could ever bring enough wine for this lot.' The Duke let out a laugh at your joke and you could help but join in. You looked to the door that lead back to the shop floor and decided it was time for you to return to the shop floor. You should never keep the customers waiting, or so they say.
'I guess I will see you next time.' You said with a bit of regret and the Duke nodded in return and sending you off with a wave. You made your way over to shop floor door while looking at the empty table again to silently laugh at your joke and a shimmer caught your eye. Curious at the promise of something shiny, you took your hand off the door handle and walked over. You moved the wine stands aside, to reveal a little ball mechanism on a chain. Your heart gave a leap, recognising it as a secret puzzle locket, you had heard that these were notoriously difficult to solve and you did love a challange.
You picked it up softly with such care that one might worry it was a fragile item but these lockets were designed to resist all forceful actions and were virtually unbreakable. They were built to protect whatever was inside for a very long time. Your careful action was only for the fact that you had never seen one in person.
You looked to the Duke with the locket resting on the palm of your hand, he was writing up some dockets and had yet to notice you approach again.
'Duke.' You started to get his attention. 'Sorry, I was wondering if this was for sale? It was hidden behind the wine stands and...'
'Everything has a price, dear.' He finished for you in answer to your question and reached his hand down. You placed the locket in his. He smiled softly.
'This is quite a rare item, miss. I'm afraid to say the cost will be as rare to match.' He stated but you had yet to be deterred. You waited patiently for his price.
'It was 300 but since this is your first purchase with me,' he softly ushered 'I can do it for 100'
You were delighted, 100 was easily sitting aside in your work tips. You had saved the vast majority in the hopes of seeing the Duke one day and now you were here. You were glad you saved. You pulled the purse out that held only your tips and began to count 100. Handing it over to the Duke once you were done, he handed you back a little box with the locket wrapped up safely inside. He was so quick that you hadn't even seen him pull out the box.
The Duke counted the money and smiled at your own delight. You tucked your box away in your work jacket, it was not leaving you, not for a second.
'I'm glad to see you happy, your going to make someone else very happy with that purchase.' He grinned. Your smile turned into a small frown.
'I'm buying it for myself. I'm not in a relationship.' You sighed. 'Not anymore.'
'Oh dear, that's a shame to hear...but I was referring to the creator of that locket. They will be most delighted to have made a sale.'
You wondered why had no one seen the value in the locket but you were grateful that you had found it. You looked up at the Duke and thanked him once again. He returned the smile fondly and bid you farewell.
'Good luck with the puzzle, my dear.' He said as you heard the warehouse door close behind you. Hopeful that this was only one of the many times you would see the duke.